The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
Rock County Village continued from 7-23-20 edition of the Star Herald.
Hardwick
There was practically no change at the station during the next few years. Otter Otterson continued buying grain for E. A. Brown, and later John Otterson bought for the Iowa, Minnesota & Dakota Grain company, which succeeded Cudahy & Butler. In 1889 Engebret Olson opened a small blacksmith shop on what is now the northeast corner of block four of the original plat, and he continued in business until after the founding of the town.
Several items of importance occurred during 1891. That year John Otterson erected the first building of permanent character in Hardwick. It is the building on the lower end of Main street now occupied by Mr. Otterson as a residence; when the postoffice was established it was opened in this building. During the summer the depot was put up and it was opened September 1 with William Little in charge. Early in the year the farmers in the vicinity petitioned for the establishment of a postoffice at Hardwick, and in December the office was put in operation with John Otterson as postmaster.19
19Mr. Otterson conducted the postoffice until 1894. E. H. Albright served until April, 1887, since which time John B. Iverson has been postmaster. One rural route is supplied from the Hardwick office. It was established January 15, 1904.
By this time Hardwick had developed into an exceptionally good grain market, and toward the close of the year came the announcement that the following year would see the founding of the town, with stores, shops and other enterprises that make a town.
Almost with the beginning of the year 1892 came the first business men to start the new enterprises. In February Herman Lenz, a farmer residing in the neighborhood, completed a small store building and put in a stock of general merchandise. The next month A. A. Walvatne erected a building adjoining Mr. Lenz, in which Thomas Trenhaile opened the second general store. Before the spring was over Engebret Olson moved his blacksmith shop closer to the new village and William Olson came from Larchwood, Iowa, and opened a shop in opposition; T. Staven came from Trosky and built a wagon shop; John Scharnberg erected a hotel and a little later opened a saloon in connection. During the summer Henry Melarchy opened a meat market; John H. Dressen erected a building and started the town’s third general store; John Niemer started the first livery barn. During the fall J. C. Johnston & Co. erected sheds and office building and started a lumber yard, under the management of Dunk Wills; a new grain buying firm appeared; John Otterson added flour and feed to his stock of fuel; a school house was erected; and several of the new comers built residences. The first child born in the village was a son born to Mr. and Mrs. John Otterson on June 20.
The story of the village of Hardwick will continue in the August 6 edition of the Star Herald.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.